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+91 7026222222Copyright @ 2026. All Rights Reserved
+91 7026222222Copyright @ 2026. All Rights Reserved
+91 7026222222Copyright @ 2026. All Rights Reserved
Sep 30, 2026
|
2 min
A burning feeling while passing urine, a constant urge to go, or a dull ache low in the abdomen can be easy to dismiss when you are pregnant. After all, needing the toilet more often is a normal part of pregnancy. But these can also be signs of a urine infection in pregnancy, which needs timely medical attention.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common during pregnancy and is usually easy to treat when found early. Left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and may affect both you and your baby. [1,2]
This guide explains the symptoms, causes, treatment and risks of UTI in pregnancy, and what you can do to lower your chances of getting one.
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections start in the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra) when bacteria, commonly E. coli from the gut, enter through the urethra and multiply. [1]
During pregnancy, a UTI in pregnancy can show up in three ways:
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Bacteria are present in the urine, but you have no symptoms. It is usually found only on a urine test, which is why routine screening matters.
• Cystitis (bladder infection): The infection is in the bladder and causes urinary symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection): The infection has travelled up to the kidneys. This is more serious and needs prompt treatment. [1,2]
The urine infection in pregnancy symptoms are similar to those in women who are not pregnant, but they can be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes. Watch for:
• A burning or stinging sensation while passing urine
• A strong, frequent urge to urinate, often passing only small amounts
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone
• A feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
Some women have no symptoms at all, so a UTI can go unnoticed until a urine test picks it up. [1,2]
Warning signs of a kidney infection: Fever with chills, pain in the back or sides (below the ribs), nausea or vomiting, and feeling very unwell. Kidney infection in pregnancy needs urgent medical care. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you notice these signs. [1,2]
Yes. A UTI in early pregnancy is not unusual, and infections can begin from the first few weeks. Because urinary frequency is already common in the first trimester, mild symptoms are easily overlooked. If something feels different, such as burning, pain or a change in the colour or smell of your urine, do not wait. Mention it at your next visit or call your doctor sooner.
Pregnancy brings changes that make it easier for bacteria to settle in the urinary tract. The main causes of UTI in pregnancy include:
• Hormonal changes: Rising progesterone relaxes the muscles of the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Urine then flows more slowly, giving bacteria more time to grow. [1,2]
• Pressure from the growing uterus: As the uterus enlarges, it can press on the bladder and ureters, making it harder to empty the bladder completely.
• Changes in urine: Pregnancy can make urine less acidic and may increase sugar in the urine, which can support bacterial growth.
• Short urethra and nearby bacteria: In women, the urethra is short and close to the anus, so bacteria can travel in easily.
• Other contributing factors: A previous history of UTIs, diabetes, and not emptying the bladder fully can also increase the risk.
Most UTIs respond well to treatment. The concern is with infections that go undiagnosed or untreated. An untreated UTI during pregnancy can lead to:
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can make you seriously unwell
• Preterm labour and premature birth
• Low birth weight in the baby
• In some cases, infection that spreads to the bloodstream
This is why doctors usually advise a urine test early in pregnancy, even if you feel perfectly well. Treating the infection promptly lowers these risks. [1,2,3]
Your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and request a urine test:
• Urine routine and microscopy: To look for signs of infection such as pus cells.
• Urine culture: To identify the bacteria causing the infection and check which antibiotics will work best.
Urine culture is also used to screen for infection that causes no symptoms. Screening for bacteria in the urine is commonly recommended during pregnancy. [2,3] If you have a fever, back pain or repeated infections, your doctor may suggest further tests.
If you are wondering how to cure urine infection during pregnancy, the answer is medical treatment. A UTI in pregnancy is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, chosen because they are considered safe for you and your baby at your stage of pregnancy. [1,2]
• Take the full course. Complete every dose even if you start to feel better in a day or two. Stopping early can let the infection return.
• Do not self-medicate. Not all antibiotics are suitable in pregnancy, and the right choice depends on your trimester, your urine culture result and your medical history.
• Follow-up testing. Your doctor may repeat a urine test after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared.
• Kidney infection. This may need hospital admission and antibiotics through a drip.
Supportive care at home can help you feel more comfortable alongside treatment, but it does not replace antibiotics:
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Do not hold your urine; empty your bladder when you feel the urge.
• Use a warm compress on the lower abdomen if it feels uncomfortable, if your doctor agrees.
You cannot prevent every infection, but these habits can lower your risk:
• Drink enough fluids and pass urine regularly.
• Empty your bladder fully each time, and pass urine after sexual intercourse.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Wash the genital area with plain water or a mild, unscented cleanser. Avoid douching and scented products.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes promptly.
• Attend all your antenatal check-ups and urine tests.
Contact your doctor promptly if you have burning or pain while urinating, blood in your urine, or any change in how often you urinate that feels unusual. Seek urgent care if you have fever, chills, back or flank pain, vomiting, or reduced baby movements. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. [1,2]
Also Read - Pregnancy Discharge: Normal Colours, Symptoms & Warning Signs
A UTI that is found and treated early is usually manageable. Untreated infections, especially those that reach the kidneys, are linked with a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Early testing and treatment are the best protection. [1,2]
Yes. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is found on a urine test and still needs treatment in pregnancy, which is why routine urine screening is important. [2,3]
It is not safe to wait and see. Pregnancy makes it easier for infection to spread to the kidneys, so see your doctor for testing and treatment.
Certain antibiotics are considered safe in pregnancy, and your doctor will choose one suited to your trimester and your culture result. Do not take antibiotics on your own. [1,2]
Frequent urination is common in pregnancy. Burning or pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain or fever point towards infection and should be checked.
Yes, recurrence is possible in pregnancy. Your doctor may repeat a urine culture after treatment and during later check-ups to make sure the infection has not returned. [2]
A urine infection in pregnancy is common and very treatable when caught early. Pay attention to changes in how you pass urine, keep up with your antenatal tests, and never ignore symptoms such as fever or back pain.
At Narayana One Health, our team of gynaecologists and obstetricians can help you with testing, diagnosis and safe treatment throughout your pregnancy.
Noticing symptoms or due for a urine test? Book a consultation with our gynaecology team today.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of UTI in pregnancy should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
• Cleveland Clinic. UTI During Pregnancy. Read the Cleveland Clinic article
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Urinary Tract Infections. Read the ACOG information
• US Preventive Services Task Force. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults: Screening. Read the USPSTF recommendation
+91 7026222222Copyright @ 2026. All Rights Reserved
Sep 30, 2026
|
2 min
A burning feeling while passing urine, a constant urge to go, or a dull ache low in the abdomen can be easy to dismiss when you are pregnant. After all, needing the toilet more often is a normal part of pregnancy. But these can also be signs of a urine infection in pregnancy, which needs timely medical attention.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common during pregnancy and is usually easy to treat when found early. Left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and may affect both you and your baby. [1,2]
This guide explains the symptoms, causes, treatment and risks of UTI in pregnancy, and what you can do to lower your chances of getting one.
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections start in the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra) when bacteria, commonly E. coli from the gut, enter through the urethra and multiply. [1]
During pregnancy, a UTI in pregnancy can show up in three ways:
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Bacteria are present in the urine, but you have no symptoms. It is usually found only on a urine test, which is why routine screening matters.
• Cystitis (bladder infection): The infection is in the bladder and causes urinary symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection): The infection has travelled up to the kidneys. This is more serious and needs prompt treatment. [1,2]
The urine infection in pregnancy symptoms are similar to those in women who are not pregnant, but they can be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes. Watch for:
• A burning or stinging sensation while passing urine
• A strong, frequent urge to urinate, often passing only small amounts
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone
• A feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
Some women have no symptoms at all, so a UTI can go unnoticed until a urine test picks it up. [1,2]
Warning signs of a kidney infection: Fever with chills, pain in the back or sides (below the ribs), nausea or vomiting, and feeling very unwell. Kidney infection in pregnancy needs urgent medical care. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you notice these signs. [1,2]
Yes. A UTI in early pregnancy is not unusual, and infections can begin from the first few weeks. Because urinary frequency is already common in the first trimester, mild symptoms are easily overlooked. If something feels different, such as burning, pain or a change in the colour or smell of your urine, do not wait. Mention it at your next visit or call your doctor sooner.
Pregnancy brings changes that make it easier for bacteria to settle in the urinary tract. The main causes of UTI in pregnancy include:
• Hormonal changes: Rising progesterone relaxes the muscles of the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Urine then flows more slowly, giving bacteria more time to grow. [1,2]
• Pressure from the growing uterus: As the uterus enlarges, it can press on the bladder and ureters, making it harder to empty the bladder completely.
• Changes in urine: Pregnancy can make urine less acidic and may increase sugar in the urine, which can support bacterial growth.
• Short urethra and nearby bacteria: In women, the urethra is short and close to the anus, so bacteria can travel in easily.
• Other contributing factors: A previous history of UTIs, diabetes, and not emptying the bladder fully can also increase the risk.
Most UTIs respond well to treatment. The concern is with infections that go undiagnosed or untreated. An untreated UTI during pregnancy can lead to:
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can make you seriously unwell
• Preterm labour and premature birth
• Low birth weight in the baby
• In some cases, infection that spreads to the bloodstream
This is why doctors usually advise a urine test early in pregnancy, even if you feel perfectly well. Treating the infection promptly lowers these risks. [1,2,3]
Your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and request a urine test:
• Urine routine and microscopy: To look for signs of infection such as pus cells.
• Urine culture: To identify the bacteria causing the infection and check which antibiotics will work best.
Urine culture is also used to screen for infection that causes no symptoms. Screening for bacteria in the urine is commonly recommended during pregnancy. [2,3] If you have a fever, back pain or repeated infections, your doctor may suggest further tests.
If you are wondering how to cure urine infection during pregnancy, the answer is medical treatment. A UTI in pregnancy is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, chosen because they are considered safe for you and your baby at your stage of pregnancy. [1,2]
• Take the full course. Complete every dose even if you start to feel better in a day or two. Stopping early can let the infection return.
• Do not self-medicate. Not all antibiotics are suitable in pregnancy, and the right choice depends on your trimester, your urine culture result and your medical history.
• Follow-up testing. Your doctor may repeat a urine test after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared.
• Kidney infection. This may need hospital admission and antibiotics through a drip.
Supportive care at home can help you feel more comfortable alongside treatment, but it does not replace antibiotics:
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Do not hold your urine; empty your bladder when you feel the urge.
• Use a warm compress on the lower abdomen if it feels uncomfortable, if your doctor agrees.
You cannot prevent every infection, but these habits can lower your risk:
• Drink enough fluids and pass urine regularly.
• Empty your bladder fully each time, and pass urine after sexual intercourse.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Wash the genital area with plain water or a mild, unscented cleanser. Avoid douching and scented products.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes promptly.
• Attend all your antenatal check-ups and urine tests.
Contact your doctor promptly if you have burning or pain while urinating, blood in your urine, or any change in how often you urinate that feels unusual. Seek urgent care if you have fever, chills, back or flank pain, vomiting, or reduced baby movements. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. [1,2]
Also Read - Pregnancy Discharge: Normal Colours, Symptoms & Warning Signs
A UTI that is found and treated early is usually manageable. Untreated infections, especially those that reach the kidneys, are linked with a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Early testing and treatment are the best protection. [1,2]
Yes. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is found on a urine test and still needs treatment in pregnancy, which is why routine urine screening is important. [2,3]
It is not safe to wait and see. Pregnancy makes it easier for infection to spread to the kidneys, so see your doctor for testing and treatment.
Certain antibiotics are considered safe in pregnancy, and your doctor will choose one suited to your trimester and your culture result. Do not take antibiotics on your own. [1,2]
Frequent urination is common in pregnancy. Burning or pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain or fever point towards infection and should be checked.
Yes, recurrence is possible in pregnancy. Your doctor may repeat a urine culture after treatment and during later check-ups to make sure the infection has not returned. [2]
A urine infection in pregnancy is common and very treatable when caught early. Pay attention to changes in how you pass urine, keep up with your antenatal tests, and never ignore symptoms such as fever or back pain.
At Narayana One Health, our team of gynaecologists and obstetricians can help you with testing, diagnosis and safe treatment throughout your pregnancy.
Noticing symptoms or due for a urine test? Book a consultation with our gynaecology team today.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of UTI in pregnancy should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
• Cleveland Clinic. UTI During Pregnancy. Read the Cleveland Clinic article
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Urinary Tract Infections. Read the ACOG information
• US Preventive Services Task Force. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults: Screening. Read the USPSTF recommendation
Sep 30, 2026
|
2 min
A burning feeling while passing urine, a constant urge to go, or a dull ache low in the abdomen can be easy to dismiss when you are pregnant. After all, needing the toilet more often is a normal part of pregnancy. But these can also be signs of a urine infection in pregnancy, which needs timely medical attention.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common during pregnancy and is usually easy to treat when found early. Left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and may affect both you and your baby. [1,2]
This guide explains the symptoms, causes, treatment and risks of UTI in pregnancy, and what you can do to lower your chances of getting one.
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections start in the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra) when bacteria, commonly E. coli from the gut, enter through the urethra and multiply. [1]
During pregnancy, a UTI in pregnancy can show up in three ways:
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Bacteria are present in the urine, but you have no symptoms. It is usually found only on a urine test, which is why routine screening matters.
• Cystitis (bladder infection): The infection is in the bladder and causes urinary symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection): The infection has travelled up to the kidneys. This is more serious and needs prompt treatment. [1,2]
The urine infection in pregnancy symptoms are similar to those in women who are not pregnant, but they can be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes. Watch for:
• A burning or stinging sensation while passing urine
• A strong, frequent urge to urinate, often passing only small amounts
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone
• A feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
Some women have no symptoms at all, so a UTI can go unnoticed until a urine test picks it up. [1,2]
Warning signs of a kidney infection: Fever with chills, pain in the back or sides (below the ribs), nausea or vomiting, and feeling very unwell. Kidney infection in pregnancy needs urgent medical care. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you notice these signs. [1,2]
Yes. A UTI in early pregnancy is not unusual, and infections can begin from the first few weeks. Because urinary frequency is already common in the first trimester, mild symptoms are easily overlooked. If something feels different, such as burning, pain or a change in the colour or smell of your urine, do not wait. Mention it at your next visit or call your doctor sooner.
Pregnancy brings changes that make it easier for bacteria to settle in the urinary tract. The main causes of UTI in pregnancy include:
• Hormonal changes: Rising progesterone relaxes the muscles of the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Urine then flows more slowly, giving bacteria more time to grow. [1,2]
• Pressure from the growing uterus: As the uterus enlarges, it can press on the bladder and ureters, making it harder to empty the bladder completely.
• Changes in urine: Pregnancy can make urine less acidic and may increase sugar in the urine, which can support bacterial growth.
• Short urethra and nearby bacteria: In women, the urethra is short and close to the anus, so bacteria can travel in easily.
• Other contributing factors: A previous history of UTIs, diabetes, and not emptying the bladder fully can also increase the risk.
Most UTIs respond well to treatment. The concern is with infections that go undiagnosed or untreated. An untreated UTI during pregnancy can lead to:
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can make you seriously unwell
• Preterm labour and premature birth
• Low birth weight in the baby
• In some cases, infection that spreads to the bloodstream
This is why doctors usually advise a urine test early in pregnancy, even if you feel perfectly well. Treating the infection promptly lowers these risks. [1,2,3]
Your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and request a urine test:
• Urine routine and microscopy: To look for signs of infection such as pus cells.
• Urine culture: To identify the bacteria causing the infection and check which antibiotics will work best.
Urine culture is also used to screen for infection that causes no symptoms. Screening for bacteria in the urine is commonly recommended during pregnancy. [2,3] If you have a fever, back pain or repeated infections, your doctor may suggest further tests.
If you are wondering how to cure urine infection during pregnancy, the answer is medical treatment. A UTI in pregnancy is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, chosen because they are considered safe for you and your baby at your stage of pregnancy. [1,2]
• Take the full course. Complete every dose even if you start to feel better in a day or two. Stopping early can let the infection return.
• Do not self-medicate. Not all antibiotics are suitable in pregnancy, and the right choice depends on your trimester, your urine culture result and your medical history.
• Follow-up testing. Your doctor may repeat a urine test after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared.
• Kidney infection. This may need hospital admission and antibiotics through a drip.
Supportive care at home can help you feel more comfortable alongside treatment, but it does not replace antibiotics:
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Do not hold your urine; empty your bladder when you feel the urge.
• Use a warm compress on the lower abdomen if it feels uncomfortable, if your doctor agrees.
You cannot prevent every infection, but these habits can lower your risk:
• Drink enough fluids and pass urine regularly.
• Empty your bladder fully each time, and pass urine after sexual intercourse.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Wash the genital area with plain water or a mild, unscented cleanser. Avoid douching and scented products.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes promptly.
• Attend all your antenatal check-ups and urine tests.
Contact your doctor promptly if you have burning or pain while urinating, blood in your urine, or any change in how often you urinate that feels unusual. Seek urgent care if you have fever, chills, back or flank pain, vomiting, or reduced baby movements. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. [1,2]
Also Read - Pregnancy Discharge: Normal Colours, Symptoms & Warning Signs
A UTI that is found and treated early is usually manageable. Untreated infections, especially those that reach the kidneys, are linked with a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Early testing and treatment are the best protection. [1,2]
Yes. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is found on a urine test and still needs treatment in pregnancy, which is why routine urine screening is important. [2,3]
It is not safe to wait and see. Pregnancy makes it easier for infection to spread to the kidneys, so see your doctor for testing and treatment.
Certain antibiotics are considered safe in pregnancy, and your doctor will choose one suited to your trimester and your culture result. Do not take antibiotics on your own. [1,2]
Frequent urination is common in pregnancy. Burning or pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain or fever point towards infection and should be checked.
Yes, recurrence is possible in pregnancy. Your doctor may repeat a urine culture after treatment and during later check-ups to make sure the infection has not returned. [2]
A urine infection in pregnancy is common and very treatable when caught early. Pay attention to changes in how you pass urine, keep up with your antenatal tests, and never ignore symptoms such as fever or back pain.
At Narayana One Health, our team of gynaecologists and obstetricians can help you with testing, diagnosis and safe treatment throughout your pregnancy.
Noticing symptoms or due for a urine test? Book a consultation with our gynaecology team today.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of UTI in pregnancy should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
• Cleveland Clinic. UTI During Pregnancy. Read the Cleveland Clinic article
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Urinary Tract Infections. Read the ACOG information
• US Preventive Services Task Force. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults: Screening. Read the USPSTF recommendation
Sep 30, 2026
|
2 min
A burning feeling while passing urine, a constant urge to go, or a dull ache low in the abdomen can be easy to dismiss when you are pregnant. After all, needing the toilet more often is a normal part of pregnancy. But these can also be signs of a urine infection in pregnancy, which needs timely medical attention.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common during pregnancy and is usually easy to treat when found early. Left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and may affect both you and your baby. [1,2]
This guide explains the symptoms, causes, treatment and risks of UTI in pregnancy, and what you can do to lower your chances of getting one.
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections start in the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra) when bacteria, commonly E. coli from the gut, enter through the urethra and multiply. [1]
During pregnancy, a UTI in pregnancy can show up in three ways:
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Bacteria are present in the urine, but you have no symptoms. It is usually found only on a urine test, which is why routine screening matters.
• Cystitis (bladder infection): The infection is in the bladder and causes urinary symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection): The infection has travelled up to the kidneys. This is more serious and needs prompt treatment. [1,2]
The urine infection in pregnancy symptoms are similar to those in women who are not pregnant, but they can be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes. Watch for:
• A burning or stinging sensation while passing urine
• A strong, frequent urge to urinate, often passing only small amounts
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone
• A feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
Some women have no symptoms at all, so a UTI can go unnoticed until a urine test picks it up. [1,2]
Warning signs of a kidney infection: Fever with chills, pain in the back or sides (below the ribs), nausea or vomiting, and feeling very unwell. Kidney infection in pregnancy needs urgent medical care. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you notice these signs. [1,2]
Yes. A UTI in early pregnancy is not unusual, and infections can begin from the first few weeks. Because urinary frequency is already common in the first trimester, mild symptoms are easily overlooked. If something feels different, such as burning, pain or a change in the colour or smell of your urine, do not wait. Mention it at your next visit or call your doctor sooner.
Pregnancy brings changes that make it easier for bacteria to settle in the urinary tract. The main causes of UTI in pregnancy include:
• Hormonal changes: Rising progesterone relaxes the muscles of the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Urine then flows more slowly, giving bacteria more time to grow. [1,2]
• Pressure from the growing uterus: As the uterus enlarges, it can press on the bladder and ureters, making it harder to empty the bladder completely.
• Changes in urine: Pregnancy can make urine less acidic and may increase sugar in the urine, which can support bacterial growth.
• Short urethra and nearby bacteria: In women, the urethra is short and close to the anus, so bacteria can travel in easily.
• Other contributing factors: A previous history of UTIs, diabetes, and not emptying the bladder fully can also increase the risk.
Most UTIs respond well to treatment. The concern is with infections that go undiagnosed or untreated. An untreated UTI during pregnancy can lead to:
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can make you seriously unwell
• Preterm labour and premature birth
• Low birth weight in the baby
• In some cases, infection that spreads to the bloodstream
This is why doctors usually advise a urine test early in pregnancy, even if you feel perfectly well. Treating the infection promptly lowers these risks. [1,2,3]
Your doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and request a urine test:
• Urine routine and microscopy: To look for signs of infection such as pus cells.
• Urine culture: To identify the bacteria causing the infection and check which antibiotics will work best.
Urine culture is also used to screen for infection that causes no symptoms. Screening for bacteria in the urine is commonly recommended during pregnancy. [2,3] If you have a fever, back pain or repeated infections, your doctor may suggest further tests.
If you are wondering how to cure urine infection during pregnancy, the answer is medical treatment. A UTI in pregnancy is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, chosen because they are considered safe for you and your baby at your stage of pregnancy. [1,2]
• Take the full course. Complete every dose even if you start to feel better in a day or two. Stopping early can let the infection return.
• Do not self-medicate. Not all antibiotics are suitable in pregnancy, and the right choice depends on your trimester, your urine culture result and your medical history.
• Follow-up testing. Your doctor may repeat a urine test after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared.
• Kidney infection. This may need hospital admission and antibiotics through a drip.
Supportive care at home can help you feel more comfortable alongside treatment, but it does not replace antibiotics:
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Do not hold your urine; empty your bladder when you feel the urge.
• Use a warm compress on the lower abdomen if it feels uncomfortable, if your doctor agrees.
You cannot prevent every infection, but these habits can lower your risk:
• Drink enough fluids and pass urine regularly.
• Empty your bladder fully each time, and pass urine after sexual intercourse.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Wash the genital area with plain water or a mild, unscented cleanser. Avoid douching and scented products.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes promptly.
• Attend all your antenatal check-ups and urine tests.
Contact your doctor promptly if you have burning or pain while urinating, blood in your urine, or any change in how often you urinate that feels unusual. Seek urgent care if you have fever, chills, back or flank pain, vomiting, or reduced baby movements. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. [1,2]
Also Read - Pregnancy Discharge: Normal Colours, Symptoms & Warning Signs
A UTI that is found and treated early is usually manageable. Untreated infections, especially those that reach the kidneys, are linked with a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Early testing and treatment are the best protection. [1,2]
Yes. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is found on a urine test and still needs treatment in pregnancy, which is why routine urine screening is important. [2,3]
It is not safe to wait and see. Pregnancy makes it easier for infection to spread to the kidneys, so see your doctor for testing and treatment.
Certain antibiotics are considered safe in pregnancy, and your doctor will choose one suited to your trimester and your culture result. Do not take antibiotics on your own. [1,2]
Frequent urination is common in pregnancy. Burning or pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain or fever point towards infection and should be checked.
Yes, recurrence is possible in pregnancy. Your doctor may repeat a urine culture after treatment and during later check-ups to make sure the infection has not returned. [2]
A urine infection in pregnancy is common and very treatable when caught early. Pay attention to changes in how you pass urine, keep up with your antenatal tests, and never ignore symptoms such as fever or back pain.
At Narayana One Health, our team of gynaecologists and obstetricians can help you with testing, diagnosis and safe treatment throughout your pregnancy.
Noticing symptoms or due for a urine test? Book a consultation with our gynaecology team today.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of UTI in pregnancy should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
• Cleveland Clinic. UTI During Pregnancy. Read the Cleveland Clinic article
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Urinary Tract Infections. Read the ACOG information
• US Preventive Services Task Force. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults: Screening. Read the USPSTF recommendation